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Bobcat 50 Series Loader Worked Like a BOSS

The 50 Series Bobcat skid-steer loader “family” initially consisted of just the 753 and 853.

A decade after the launch of the 40 Series, the 743 was still immensely popular. But it was time for a change. Bobcat launched the 50 Series in 1990 with the 753, 853 and an impressive list of product features. The new loaders were quieter, better cooling, more reliable and easier to service.

Key Features

BOSS System: The revolutionary new Bobcat Operation Sensing System (BOSS™) tracked key engine and hydraulic functions. The microprocessor-based system replaced the traditional instrument panel and monitored engine RPM, cooling, fuel level and oil pressure, and offered shutdown protection in case of catastrophic failure. It also aided in service troubleshooting.

Dual Path Cooling: The cooling fan drew air down through the radiator, located above the engine, and also pulled air from the engine compartment itself, exhausting it through side vents. The radiator location — and the removable oil cooler in front of it — made cleanout easier and reduced plugging in extremely dusty work environments.

Transverse Engine Mounting: This new concept was first used in the 440/443 and later the 943. The engine was mounted sideways, allowing use of a belt and pulley system to transfer power to the pumps, motors and alternator. Critics attacked the new design, but the belt-drive system allowed the engine to run slower, significantly lowering noise and improving fuel efficiency — and it remains in loaders today.

Transmission & Axles: The 50 Series transmission was greatly improved, including new hydrostatic motors and pumps that provided more axle torque. Axle seals were protected by a new “labyrinth” design that virtually eliminated damage from jobsite debris wrapping around the axle and taking out a seal. The axle hub was easily removed for servicing the seals.

Other Features

Auxiliary hydraulic controls were built into the steering levers, allowing fingertip attachment control.

Hydraulic system flow and pressure were both increased, improving breakout force, cycle times and attachment performance.

Cab entry and exit were made easier, and a relocated parking brake gave more foot space inside the cab.

A built-in lift-arm stop made it easier to service the loader with the lift arms raised.

The Morphing Continues

The 7753 was the next evolution of Bobcat loaders, introducing vertical lift paths.

A year after launching the 753, engineers took a cue from others in the industry and designed a multiple linkage lift arm structure and stretched the wheelbase a few inches. The resulting vertical lift path 7753 (later the 773) offered more capacity (1700 lb.) in a similar size loader frame. Because the bucket position remained more or less vertical throughout the lift cycle, the 773 had more lift height and reach, making it more adept at truck loading.

In 1993, the 753L (later the 763) was launched with a wheelbase five inches longer. It retained the 753’s traditional radius path lift arm but provided more lift capacity (1500 lb.) The compact radius 753 remained in the lineup for applications in tight quarters.

The 1700-pound rated 853 went through a similar transformation. First was the 853H, with a high-flow auxiliary hydraulic pump to power attachments like planers and breakers. The vertical lift path 873 with a 2300 lb. rated operating capacity (ROC) was launched in 1995. In 1996, the long-wheelbase 863 (1900 lb. ROC) and 863H replaced the 853 and 853H models.

BICS and the C-Series Loaders

The Bobcat Interlock Control System (BICS™) was introduced in 1994, using solid-state sensor and controller technology to lock the loader’s lift and tilt hydraulics and traction drive functions under certain conditions. BICS required the operator to be in the seat with the seat bar down before operating the loader.

With the BICS launch, a new term was used to describe major design iterations. Loaders equipped with BICS would be known as “C-Series.” The model changes continued, but the term “50 Series” was functionally obsolete, since model numbers now included 60s (763) and 70s (773).

Watch the slide show to see more 1990s photos, spec sheets and literature on the 50 Series loaders.

50 Series Bobcat loaders featured (clockwise from top) protected axle seals, “bowtie” drive chains that never needed adjustment, a transversely mounted engine using of a belt drive system, a keel-shaped belly pan, and a dual path cooling system that brought air in from the top and bottom and exhausted it out the sides.

The radius path, compact wheelbase 753 morphed several times in the early 1990s —the radius path, long-wheelbase 753L (top right) which became the 763 (top left); and the long-wheelbase, vertical lift path 7753 (center), later known as the 773 (top center).

Smallest of the Bobcat skid-steer loaders, the 453 “mini-Bob” continued to serve in tight quarters applications.

Bobcat 463 Loader, 2000

The 463 was renamed with a “6” to reflect its true, long-wheelbase configuration. Other enhancements added to the loader’s versatility, with more hydraulic flow and pressure and a number of new attachments.

Bobcat 553 Loader, 1994-2007

The 800 lbs. rated 553 was introduced in 1994.

Bobcat 653 Loader, 1995-1997

The 653 was a liquid-cooled diesel model with a frame size similar to the 753, but with a smaller engine and lighter build.

Bobcat 753 Loader, 1990-2003

The 753 was popular in most applications including agriculture, where its compact wheelbase made it highly maneuverable.

Bobcat 853 Loader, 1990-1996

The 853 was popular in construction and industrial applications.

Bobcat 873 loader, 1995-2002

Starting with the frame of an 853, engineers adapted it with a vertical path lift arm and longer wheelbase to give the 873 significantly more rated lift capacity.

Bobcat 953 Loader, 1994-1997

The 50 Series 953 replaced the 943. The 2,400-lb. rated 953 had a 3,87 L Perkins diesel engine.